Executive Director, Strategy, Oncology R&D at AstraZeneca · London

Executive Director, Strategy, Oncology R&D
Location: US - Gaithersburg - MD
What if your next role helpedeliminatecancer as a cause of death?
At AstraZeneca, our Oncology ambition is unparalleled.We’vebuilt and strategicallyacquiredone of the most promising pipelines in the industry, driven by a bold vision to push the boundaries of science, change the practice of medicine, andultimatelyeliminatecancer as a cause of death. You will be among inspiring oncology industry leaders who will empower you to be the best, joining teams with a shared sense of urgency tocurecancer and transform patients’ lives.  ​
With a strong and growing pipeline across multiple scientific pillars and tumor types, we rely on highly skilled Strategy Leads to craft integrated therapeutic area strategies,combining clinical, scientific, and commercial insightsto shape portfolio choices and clarify sophisticated investment priorities across assets and platforms.
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AsanExecutive Director, Strategy, Oncology R&D,you will own and drive the global Oncology R&D strategy,setting priorities for the senior executive team and transforming our approach to deliver impact for patients across disease areas and/or platform technologies aligned to our latest priorities. This is a critical opportunity to apply scientificexpertiseand strategic analysis to influence high‑stakes decisions with direct patient impact. Working at the highest level, you will ensure our choicesoptimizereturn on investment and patient outcomes by presenting clear options, tradeoffs, and recommendations tied to value and risk.
To be successful, you will need:
Clear and organized thinking with ability to simplify and prioritize complex problems
The application ofstrong, data-driven analysis to move beyond high-level views
Deep scientific acumen to navigate complex data and insights
The ability toestablishand maintain credibility with senior audiences
Proven track record toanticipateand shapethe oncology market and key trends with emerging science​
Accountabilities:
OwntheOncologyR&D portfolio strategy: Lead the creation of comprehensive therapeutic area strategies that integrate clinical, scientific, and commercial insights to shapestrategicpriorities across assets and platforms.
Adviseexecutive senior leadership: Provide disciplined, insight driven recommendations on complex strategic topics toseniorstakeholders, delivering clear and actionable guidance on portfolio optimization and investment decisions.
Drivemeaningfulaction:Build credibility throughexpertise, relationships, and trust to persuade and align others without formal authority,leadingusing robust evidence, metrics,andclear casesto legitimize decisions.
Partner across the enterprise: Collaborate with leaders across clinical development, discovery, business development, and other key functions to create cohesive long-term strategies that drive innovation and impact.
Analyticaldepth and rigor:Set the standards ofstrong analytical skills to break down complex problems,ensuring decisions, vision, and strategy are firmly grounded in evidence.
Analyze and generate strategic insights:Leadmeticulous analysis of internal and external data toidentifytrends, risks, and opportunities for portfoliogrowth and optimization, translating findings into actionable strategic recommendations.
Lead cross-functional collaboration:Build and leada culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability across all stakeholder groups, partnering with internal and external collaborators to deliver on high-impact strategicobjectives.
Dive effective communication: Ensure clear and compelling communication of strategy, progress, and priorities to diverse audiences, both internal and external, maintaining transparency and alignment across the organization.
Navigate complex strategic landscapes: Integrate clinical trial design, competitive dynamics, regulatory environments, and market access considerations to advise strategic prioritization and investment decisions.
Ensure strategic excellence: Drive clarity and consistency across key strategic processes,establishingbest practices andmaintainingthorough standards for analysis, decision-making, and execution.
Essential Skills/Experience:
Education and experience: BA/BS and 10 years of experiencewithfocus in life science programs, consulting,equity researchOR MS/MBA and 8+ years of experience OR PhD or MD and 5+ years of experience
Oncologyexpertise: Deep understanding of Oncology Therapeutic Area Strategy which may include a specific disease area and/or platform technologies, with proven experiencecontributing to strategic planning and portfolio decisions
Executive presence and leadership: Ability to interact and communicate effectively with senior executive teams, with demonstrated ability to lead and influence experienced professionals in a fast-paced, highly matrixed work environment
Strategicand impact oriented:Demonstratescritical and creative thinking,anticipatesand solves problems with rigorous, fact-based analysis, and thrives in a fast-paced environment,bringing agility and adaptability to deliver outcomes with clear societal impact.
Preferred Skills/Experience:
Deep Scientific Expertise: PhD in life sciences,MD
Consulting, VC, equity, or finance experience:Background in management consulting, venture capital, private equity, or finance withdemonstratedability toconduct rigorous financial and strategic analyses to inform investment and portfolio decisionsis strongly preferred
Strategic planningexpertise: Experience in strategic planning processes and tools, with ability to translate business needs into coordinated plans and develop creative solutions to complex problems
Deep pharmaceutical knowledge: Understanding of pharmaceutical R&D business including clinical trial design, drug development processes, regulatory dynamics, and pricing landscapes in major markets
Consultative leadership: Strong analytical and communication skills combined with effective interpersonal abilities to build trust, influence without authority, and drive alignment across senior cross-functional teams
Financial acumen: Strong financial background and understanding of forecasts, budgets, and financial tools to support strategic decision-making
Global perspective: Ability to work across global teams and priorities delivering operational effectiveness and prioritization in a fast-growing, highly matrixed organization
Office Working Requirements
When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work atpaceand challenge perceptions.That’swhy we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But thatdoesn’tmeanwe’renot flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.
The annual base pay for this position ranges from $270,222 to $405,332. Our positions offer eligibility for various incentives—an opportunity to receive short-term incentive bonuses, equity-based awards for salaried roles and commissions for sales roles. Benefits offered include qualified retirement programs, paid time off (i.e., vacation, holiday, and leaves), as well as health, dental, and vision coveragein accordance withthe terms of the applicable plans.
This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on patients' lives by shaping the future of oncology innovation at AstraZeneca. Ifyou'reready to apply your strategicexpertiseand leadership to help us achieve our ambitious goals, we encourage you to apply.
Date Posted
02-Sep-2026
Closing Date
29-Sep-2026
Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.
Additional Locations: US - New York ESB - NY, UK - London, US - Cambridge Kendall SQ - MA, UK - Cambridge